Tourinho Neto: "Eliana asked for ACM's blessing"
Known, among other controversies, for releasing the illegal gambling boss Carlinhos Cachoeira, the federal judge gave an interview to IstoÉ a month before his retirement and didn't spare his fellow countrywoman; "I never agreed with favoritism. Eliana Calmon said the same, but then she went and asked for the blessing of ACM and Jader (Barbalho)"; Tourinho also says he is in favor of removing the power of investigation from the Public Prosecutor's Office and disagrees with the conviction of former minister José Dirceu by the Supreme Court.
Bahia 247
Known for his long-standing controversies, the Bahian federal judge Fernando da Costa Tourinho Neto has completed 42 years of service and will retire next month. In an interview with IstoÉ magazine, the magistrate spoke about issues of great negative repercussion, including the recent release of the illegal gambling operator Carlinhos Cachoeira and the annulment of evidence from the Federal Police operation against the former president of Valec, José Francisco das Neves, known as Juquinha.
Among the forceful statements made to the magazine, Tourinho Neto speaks of his fellow countrywoman and colleague in the judiciary, the acting president of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), Eliana Calmon.
When questioned about never having gone to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), despite his renowned career, he says he never wanted political appointments in his profession and lashes out against Calmon. "I never agreed with patronage. Eliana Calmon said the same, but then she went there and asked for the blessing of ACM and Jader (Barbalho)."
Among the controversial topics, Tourinho Neto also criticizes the actions of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in the Mensalão trial and says he disagrees with the conviction of former minister José Dirceu.
The judge also says he is in favor of PEC 37, which removes the power of investigation from the Public Prosecutor's Office. "I am against the investigative power of the Public Prosecutor's Office because normally the prosecutor or public prosecutor gets involved in the investigation. The police investigate, the Public Prosecutor's Office accuses, and the judge judges. This separation of powers guarantees the democratic rule of law. Breaking this logic is a disgrace."
Veja here The complete interview from IstoÉ.